Morning News Brief

Phase one of a two-part modernization project to expand United Memorial Medical Center’s Radiology department is underway. The nearly $8 million project will add 5,000 square feet to the department, nearly doubling its size, and feature new technology and equipment. The result will be enhanced imaging capabilities that improve the experience for patients, their families and staff. The first phase of the expansion is scheduled for competition halfway through 2022 and the entire project will be complete by 2024.

Congressman Chris Jacobs introduced the Help Wanted Act this week to help address the growing labor shortages reported in Western New York and around the nation. It would require every state to reinstate the “work-search” requirement for unemployment benefits. This requires unemployment recipients to show proof of a job search to receive benefits. During the pandemic, this condition was waived by many states. In addition, the legislation strikes a provision from the CARES Act allowing individuals to collect unemployment if they voluntarily left their job. Finally, the legislation would prohibit the use of generic concerns about COVID-19 as a reason for turning down offers of employment.

Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that the statewide COVID-19 positivity rate has dropped to 1.08 percent, the lowest since October 10. He said hospitalizations were down and there were 30 fewer patients in intensive care. Twenty-two new deaths were reported. In the Southern Tier, 62 people were hospitalized with virus-related complications.

The Social Security Administration today announced the most popular baby names in New York for 2020.  Liam and Olivia topped the list.

An Orleans County man was killed when the tractor he was operating near his home on Ridge Road in Gaines overturned and pinned him underneath. 72-year-old George Manning suffered fatal injuries. The mans son found the victim pinned and unresponsive under the tractor. With the help of neighbors, they were able to lift the machine up and pull the victim out. CPR was unsuccessful. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by Orleans County Chief Coroner.

Genesee County deputies arrested 28-year-old Andre Roberts of Rochester. He was charged with bail jumping after he failed to appear in Corfu Village Court last December. Roberts will be arraigned today in court.

State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli and New York State Police Acting Superintendent Kevin Bruen announced the arrests of former state police mechanics Jeffrey Rapasadi and David Relyea in the theft of nearly $30,000 in auto parts and supplies from the state. The thefts allegedly took place between April 2015 and October 2020. DiNapoli said “These men were entrusted to maintain and service essential New York State Police vehicles, but instead they allegedly used taxpayer money to fund their own their personal business and repairs.” The men were non-sworn civilian employees responsible for maintaining police vehicles.